Things To Do
in Ubud
Ubud is a picturesque town located in Bali, Indonesia known for its vibrant arts scene, lush rice paddies, and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors can explore traditional Balinese architecture, browse through local art galleries, and attend cultural performances. The town is also a hub for yoga and wellness retreats, offering a peaceful and relaxing environment for visitors looking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul.
Ubud is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, rivers, and waterfalls, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk through the Campuhan Ridge Walk, enjoying the lush views. Grab a healthy breakfast at a local café nearby.
Visit the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces to learn about traditional Balinese irrigation and take stunning photos. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby warung with local cuisine.
Head to Ubud Market for shopping and pick up unique souvenirs. End your day with a traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace.
Join a guided tour to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can observe playful monkeys in their natural habitat. Take time to appreciate the ancient temples sprinkled throughout the forest.
Visit the Puri Saren Royal Palace to learn about Ubud's royal history and culture. Relax at a local café with some traditional Balinese coffee.
Join an art class where you can try your hand at painting or sculpting. Afterward, savor a delicious dinner at a restaurant offering a view of the rice fields.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with lush rice terraces and tropical landscapes.
- Rich cultural heritage, including traditional Balinese arts, dance, and music.
- A strong wellness community with numerous yoga retreats and holistic health options.
- Vibrant local markets offering unique handicrafts and fresh produce.
- A variety of dining options, from high-end restaurants to local warungs serving authentic Indonesian cuisine.
- Can be crowded with tourists, particularly during peak season.
- Increased cost of living compared to other areas in Indonesia due to tourism.
- Traffic congestion, especially in popular areas.
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities like Seminyak or Kuta.
- Seasonal heavy rain can affect outdoor activities, particularly from December to February.
Best Activities in Ubud
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A scenic walk through rice fields and lush landscapes offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
A beautiful waterfall with a natural pool for swimming and relaxing in the midst of lush greenery.
An exhilarating activity where you can swing over the jungle and take in panoramic views of the river and rice terraces.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ubud with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ubud
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its stunning terraced landscape and lush greenery, offering great photo opportunities.
Scenic walking trail with beautiful valleys and rice fields, ideal for capturing panoramic views.
A serene water temple surrounded by lush gardens, providing a picturesque setting for photography.
Home to playful macaques and ancient temples, offering unique photo opportunities.
A majestic waterfall set amidst the lush jungle, perfect for capturing the beauty of nature.
Popular spot for thrilling swings and stunning jungle views, ideal for adventurous photo shoots.
Food in Ubud
Ubud Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Balinese roasted pig dish, usually seasoned with turmeric, coriander seeds, lemongrass, black pepper, and garlic, and slow-cooked to perfection. It's a must-try for pork lovers. One of the best places to savor this dish is at Ibu Oka, a legendary spot known for its Babi Guling.
Must-Try!
A traditional Balinese salad made from fine chopped meat, vegetables, grated coconut, and rich herbs and spices. Visit Warung Pulau Kelapa for an authentic taste of Lawar.
Bebek Betutu is a flavorful Balinese dish made from duck marinated with rich spices and wrapped in banana leaves, then slow-cooked until tender. Sample this dish at Bebek Bengil for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ubud better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide array of authentic local dishes, from savory sate skewers to aromatic nasi campur. It's a fantastic spot to explore the diverse street food offerings in Ubud.
Pasar Sindu Market is a hidden gem offering an array of fresh produce, Indonesian snacks, and street food. Don't miss the opportunity to try Mie Goreng and traditional Balinese cakes here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ubud, it is important to greet others respectfully. A common and polite greeting is 'Salamat Pagi' which means 'good morning' in Bahasa Indonesia.
When visiting temples or participating in traditional ceremonies, it is important to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Always ask for permission before taking photos in sacred places.
It's customary to use the right hand for giving and receiving objects, eating, and gesturing as the left hand is considered unclean in Balinese culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ubud with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ubud
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Indonesia, including Ubud. However, in some upscale restaurants and hotels, a service charge of 5-10% may be added to the bill. It's not expected to leave an additional tip, but it's appreciated if the service has been exceptional.
In Ubud, Indonesia, cash is widely used for transactions. It's important to have enough local currency (Indonesian Rupiah) on hand, especially in smaller shops and local markets. Many hotels and high-end establishments accept credit cards, but small vendors and local eateries may prefer cash. ATMs are widely available in Ubud for withdrawing cash.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ubud.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Ubud with clear skies, less humidity, and lower chance of rain
Expect frequent rains, lush green landscapes, and lower tourist crowds
Ubud at Night
Hiking in Ubud
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trek that takes you along the beautiful rice fields and offers stunning views of the lush hills in Ubud.
Famous for its iconic rice paddies, this area offers a range of walking paths and trails through the beautiful landscape.
A popular hiking destination where you can enjoy a sunrise trek to the summit and breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.
Beyond the monkey interactions, there are trails to explore the forest, showcasing nature and local flora.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning rice terraces and hiking routes that showcase Bali's agriculture.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ubud through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ubud by plane.
The main airport serving the island of Bali, located approximately 35 kilometers south of Ubud.
An international airport located in Lombok, approximately 100 kilometers east of Ubud, providing connectivity to various destinations.
Located in Surabaya, this airport is around 300 kilometers from Ubud and serves as a major hub for flights to and from Indonesia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous people of Bali, known for their rich culture, traditions, and Hindu beliefs.
The largest ethnic group in Indonesia, many of whom have migrated to Bali for work or study.
Another significant ethnic group from Java, present in Ubud as part of the cultural tapestry.
A prominent minority in Bali, contributing to the economy and culture, particularly in commerce.
A growing community of foreigners, attracted by Ubud's artistic environment, wellness offerings, and lifestyle.
Includes various smaller ethnic and expatriate communities from different parts of the world.
The Soul of Ubud
Discover the essence of Ubud through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ubud is known for its numerous yoga retreats and schools, making yoga a popular practice for both locals and tourists seeking wellness and relaxation.
Cycling through the picturesque rice fields and lush landscapes of Ubud is a favored activity for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Trekking in the surrounding hills and forests, including trips to nearby Mount Batur, is popular for those looking to experience adventure and stunning views.
Various forms of martial arts, including traditional Balinese self-defense and other combat sports, are practiced and taught in Ubud.
While not directly in Ubud, nearby beaches in Bali offer great surfing opportunities, attracting sports enthusiasts who travel to the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ubud.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and cafes in Ubud offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, from innovative plant-based dishes to traditional Indonesian fare. Look out for popular dishes like Gado-Gado, Nasi Goreng, and Tempeh-based meals.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can find suitable dining options in Ubud. Many eateries are attentive to gluten-free requirements and offer dishes like rice-based noodle bowls, fresh salads, and grilled seafood.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ubud with these cultural adventures.
